Week 3- Learning And Retention
Knowledge integration combines different information and experiences to build connections and improve understanding. Memory consolidation helps learning by connecting new experiences with existing knowledge, making recall easier over time. From an early age, learners actively construct knowledge through reasoning and exploration, reducing their reliance on repetition (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine, 2018). As they grow, they build deeper understanding by spotting patterns, linking ideas, and organizing knowledge better.
Researchers have discovered effective methods to enhance learning, memory, and problem-solving for various learners and subjects. Key methods include retrieval practice, which strengthens recall by actively engaging with information; spaced practice, which boosts retention by spacing study sessions and boosts learning by mixing different topics or skills in a lesson. Other beneficial techniques include summarizing, drawing, and explaining concepts through self-explanation and teaching, all of which promote deeper understanding and long-term retention (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine, 2018).
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Curriculum development should incorporate methods that connect information, allowing students to build deeper understanding. Strategies such as retrieval practice, spaced learning, and interleaved practice enhance memory and critical thinking. Curricula should focus on active learning rather than memorization, encouraging students to explore and apply concepts. Strategies like summarizing, drawing, and self-explanation improve understanding and help connect ideas across subjects. Using these methods creates engaging and adaptable learning experiences, equipping students with lifelong skills.
In the past, art and creativity were primarily centered around passive engagement, such as studying art appreciation and analyzing artistic works, rather than actively using them as tools for creation, learning, and integration across different academic subjects (Rivero, 2020).
Pixton EDU is a platform available to anyone to create their own comics, making storytelling and learning more interactive (Rivero, 2020). This aligns with several evidence-based strategies for learning and retention, such as retrieval practice, spaced learning, and teaching others. By using this tool, students can apply their knowledge in a creative way, reinforcing concepts through storytelling. Additionally, creating comics after a period of time (spaced practice) strengthens memory retention, while explaining ideas through comic strips allows students to teach others, deepening their understanding. This approach makes learning more engaging and accessible while fostering creativity, comprehension, and long-term knowledge retention.
ISTE Standard 1.1 Empowered Learner supports memory retention by encouraging students to take an active role in their learning. Instead of passively reviewing information, students use strategies like retrieval practice, which strengthens recall, drawing, which helps organize and visualize concepts, and teaching others, which reinforces understanding through explanation. These methods promote self-direction, critical thinking, and adaptability, allowing students to monitor their progress and adjust their learning techniques. By applying these strategies, students develop independence and confidence, equipping them with lifelong skills to retain and apply knowledge effectively.
Integrating knowledge through active learning strategies enhances comprehension, retention, and problem-solving skills. Tools like Pixton EDU support these strategies by encouraging creativity and reinforcing learning through storytelling, retrieval practice, and teaching others. By adopting these methods, students become empowered learners, developing independence, adaptability, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively throughout their lives.
References:
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. How People Learn II: ‘
Learners, Contexts, and Cultures. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24783.
Rivero, V. (2020, June 1). The arts, Creativity & Technology 2020: A guide for educators &
parents. EdTech Digest.
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